The popular manga series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, is set to release a special edition of its 14th volume, which will include a short, 24-page novella. This exciting news has been announced by Shogakukan, the manga’s publisher, and has fans eagerly awaiting the release.
A Special Edition for Fans
The special edition of volume 14 is slated to ship on March 18, and will include the novella titled “Sora ni Hana wo Sakaseru MahĆ” which translates to “Magic to Make Flowers Bloom in the Sky”. The story is penned by novelist Mei Hachimoku, who is also known for writing the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End prequel novel, ShĆsetsu SĆsĆ no Frieren ~ZensĆ~. This prequel novel is a collection of five short stories that are not found in the main manga series. The manga’s creator, Kanehito Yamada, has supervised the new novella.
This special edition is not just about the short story; it will also feature a hardcover designed to “feel like a grimoire,” along with three new illustrations from manga illustrator Tsukasa Abe. These additions make this release a must-have for collectors and fans of the series.
The Creative Team
Kanehito Yamada is the writer of the manga, while Tsukasa Abe provides the illustrations. Together, they have created a compelling story that has resonated with readers worldwide. Mei Hachimoku, the author of the short story, has demonstrated her ability to capture the essence of the Frieren universe through her previous work on the prequel novel.
About Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a Japanese manga series that has gained significant popularity since its debut in April 2020. The series is serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly ShĆnen Sunday magazine. The manga follows the journey of Frieren, an elven mage, as she grapples with the concept of time and mortality after the defeat of the Demon King. The narrative explores themes of loss, memory, and the impact of time through Frieren’s unique perspective as an immortal being.
Story and Themes
The story begins after the Demon King has been defeated and peace has been restored to the land. Frieren, along with her fellow adventurers, is now living in a world where the major conflict is resolved. The manga then explores how Frieren tries to understand the people around her, and how she perceives the concept of life, death, and the passage of time. This unique premise sets it apart from many other fantasy stories which usually revolve around defeating an evil force.
The series delves into the emotional aspects of Frieren’s journey, showing her personal growth and how she processes the world. The manga has been praised for its emotional storytelling and deep themes, which resonate with a wide range of readers.
Manga Success
As of June 2024, the manga had over 22 million copies in circulation. It has also won multiple awards, including the 14th Manga TaishĆ and the 25th annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize’s New Creator Prize in 2021. In 2024, it won the 69th Shogakukan Manga Award and the 48th Kodansha Manga Award in the shĆnen category.
The manga has seen consistent success, and continues to grow in popularity as its anime adaptation gains more fans. It is published in North America by Viz Media and in Southeast Asia by Shogakukan Asia. The English release of the 12th volume is scheduled for February 11.
Anime Adaptation
The manga’s popularity has led to a successful anime television adaptation by Madhouse studio. The first 28-episode season was broadcast from September 2023 to March 2024. The anime premiered with a two-hour special, making it the first television anime to debut on Nippon TV’s Kin’yĆ Road Show block. The anime has been lauded for its detailed animation and faithfulness to the source material. It is directed by KeiichirĆ SaitĆ, with series composition by Tomohiro Suzuki, music by Evan Call, and character designs by Reiko Nagasawa. A second season of the anime has been officially announced.
The anime is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, and it has further boosted the popularity of the manga. Many fans have stated that the anime adaptation elevates the manga with its stunning animation and meaningful character development scenes.
Anime’s Impact
The anime’s success has brought a new wave of attention to the manga, introducing the series to a broader audience. The seamless transition of battles and character moments from the manga to the anime has been a key factor in its popularity.
Awards and Recognition
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying its position as a critically acclaimed series. These awards highlight the quality of the writing, artwork, and overall storytelling.
Some of the notable awards include:
- 14th Manga TaishĆ Award (2021)
- 25th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize’s New Creator Prize (2021)
- 69th Shogakukan Manga Award (2024)
- 48th Kodansha Manga Award (2024)
These accolades demonstrate the impact and significance of the manga within the industry.
Where to Read and Watch
The manga is available for purchase in both physical and digital formats through Viz Media. The anime is available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll. Fans can also find information and updates through official websites and social media channels.
Digital and Physical Availability
- Manga: Available digitally on the Viz Manga app and Kindle. Physical copies can be purchased on platforms like Amazon and other retailers.
- Anime: Streaming on Crunchyroll, with both subbed and dubbed versions available.
Conclusion
The upcoming special edition of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Volume 14, complete with a new novella, hardcover, and illustrations, promises to be a significant release for fans. The continued success of both the manga and anime demonstrates the series’ unique appeal and its impact on the world of Japanese entertainment. The series continues to grow in popularity, and the new release of volume 14 is highly anticipated.
